As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to explore some of New York’s finest artisanal shops for unique gifts that support local makers. At Benji's of Brooklyn, we’re excited to present this carefully curated holiday gift guide featuring "Made in New York” creations. Whether you're looking for thoughtful presents for loved ones, or holiday gift ideas for staff, these handcrafted items add a personal touch to your holiday shopping.
We asked a dear friend of Benji’s, Melissa Panszi Reibe, to help us curate this gift guide. Melissa is the founder of the annual Make Your Mark[et] Holiday Pop-Up in the NYC Metro area. (This year you can visit her at Hastings-on-Hudson, but more about that later!) Melissa has a special eye towards finding everything from the high-end designs of Brooklyn artisans to the handcrafted New York products that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. She’s curated our guide to highlight everything from jewelry and candles to home decor and eco-friendly handbags. Not only are these gifts unique, but they also represent the rich artistic spirit of New York..
To explain her philosophy toward our gift-giving guide, Melissa said, “For those in search of independent artist-made gifts, this guide offers a mix of personal care, jewelry, home accessories, and artisanal foods, all made with love by small businesses. These pieces are more than just presents; they carry the stories of the passionate artisans behind them, making each gift uniquely special.”
1. Bolted Lightning. Stained Glass Monstera Plant.
The Stained Glass Monstera Leaf is a captivating home decor piece crafted by Bolted Lightning. This handcrafted masterpiece showcases the studio's artistic expertise and dedication to unique, imaginative designs. A perfect addition to your festive décor or a thoughtful gift for the art lover in your life, this exquisite piece celebrates the beauty of nature and the magic of the season. Bolted Lightning offers an array of artworks and workshops, ensuring an enchanting experience for those seeking to ignite their creativity and create lasting memories this holiday season.
2. Bougie Funk. Verte Rouge Candles.
Verte Rouge candle by Bougiefunk is a vibrant fusion of fragrances that transports you to a lush garden oasis. This handcrafted, sustainable candle offers a clean and long-lasting burn, enveloping your space in an inviting ambiance. With notes of fresh tomato, green leaves, earthy soil, and garden herbs, Verte Rouge is the perfect gift for the holiday season or a luxurious treat for yourself. Bougiefunk's commitment to self-care through sensory experiences is evident in their diverse range of scents, designed to cater to different moods and settings, making Verte Rouge an ideal choice for an unforgettable and immersive aromatherapy experience.
3. A D’Zine. Vintage LV Necklace.
The Vintage LV Lock Necklace by A D’Zine is a stunning fusion of elegance and sustainability. Crafted from upcycled materials, this one-of-a-kind piece exemplifies Melissa's dedication to creating unique jewelry that empowers and inspires. A D’Zine strives to promote self-expression, confidence, and kindness through fashion. Adorn yourself with this exquisite accessory and join the mission to create a more beautiful and compassionate world.
4. Benji’s of Brooklyn. Christmas Curtain Call - AR Holiday eCard
The Miragi AR Red Christmas Curtain greeting card by Benji's of Brooklyn is a magical and interactive way to surprise your loved ones this holiday season. Featuring Augmented Reality technology, this enchanting card transforms into a heartwarming winter scene, complete with a cozy fireplace, when viewed through a smartphone or tablet. Personalize your holiday greetings with a festive selfie, adding an extra-special touch to this delightful experience. Benji's of Brooklyn prides itself on creating bespoke, handcrafted cards for all occasions, each showcasing unique designs and emphasizing craftsmanship. Spread joy and connection this holiday season with the enchanting AR Red Christmas Curtain greeting card.
5. Flying Colors. Woodstock Blend Bird Seeds.
The Woodstock Blend by Flying Colors Birdseed is a delightful mix of organic and non-GMO seeds and nuts, including sunflower, peanut, safflower, and hemp. Attracting a variety of wild birds, this premium blend is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, ensuring a nourishing meal for your feathered friends. Flying Colors Birdseed is dedicated to offering high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, creating a vibrant and sustainable environment for backyard wildlife.
6. Heimat New York. Rhubarb Liquor.
Embrace the festive spirit with Heimat New York's exquisite Rhubarb Liqueur, a smooth and elegant concoction perfect for holiday celebrations. This award-winning liqueur captures the essence of the season, offering a unique and sublime experience that celebrates tradition and heritage. Handcrafted with real, seasonal rhubarb, Heimat New York's Rhubarb Liqueur is an ideal choice for both sipping and crafting festive cocktails, bringing warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings.
7. Katerina NYC. Anna Bag.
Celebrate the holiday season in style with the Anna bag by Katerina NYC. This luxurious and versatile accessory, crafted from premium Italian leather and soft suede, is the perfect addition to your festive ensemble. With glimmering gold hardware and multiple strap options, the Anna bag is an ideal gift for the fashion-forward and eco-conscious woman in your life. Katerina NYC is dedicated to designing high-end handbags that reflect effortless elegance while prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices.
8. ARE YOU A FIXER? Brooklyn Coat Hook.
The Brooklyn Coat Hook’s maker, ARE YOU A FIXER?, is a passionate autodidact with over 20 years of professional experience in woodworking and carpentry. Hailing from the heart of Manhattan, this skilled artisan has honed his expertise through dedication, formal training, and collaborations with some of the most gifted professionals in the tristate area. Driven by a love for problem-solving and the creative process, his work embodies a commitment to quality, innovation, and the finest craftsmanship—making the Brooklyn Coat Hook a must-have addition to any space.
9. The Tea Experience. SimpliciTEA Gift Box.
Delight the tea lovers in your life this holiday season with The Tea Experience's Starter SimpliciTEA Gift Box. This thoughtfully curated set contains four classic tea types, a tea infuser, artisan sugars, and a complimentary treat, making it the perfect all-occasion gift. The Tea Experience offers hand-crafted, luxurious teas made from premium ingredients, providing an exquisite and memorable tea-drinking experience that will warm hearts and palates alike during the festive season.
10. We All Love Kool Socks. Spin and Splatter Socks.
We All Love Kool Socks is a brand dedicated to bringing vibrant and unique socks to everyone's wardrobe. They focus on creating high-quality, comfortable socks that stand out with bold designs and bright colors. The brand emphasizes the importance of self-expression through fashion and aims to make each pair of socks not just a garment but a statement piece. With a wide variety of themes and patterns, We All Love Kool Socks ensures that there's a perfect pair for every personality and occasion.
We thank Melissa for helping us with this holiday guide. This year you can find her Make Your Mark[et] Holiday Pop-up gift shop at 22 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY where she is featuring products from over 60 independent artisans from New York. For those friends of Benji in the NYC area this season, be sure to visit her and find that one-of-a-kind gift for those one-of-a-kind people in your life.
With the holiday season just around the corner, there's no better time to embrace the beauty and authenticity of artisanal gifts. At Benji’s of Brooklyn, we encourage you to explore the diverse talents of handcrafted NYC makers, support small businesses, and give a gift that truly tells a story. Whether you're inspired by the offerings of NYC gift shops or excited by the originality of Brooklyn artisans, these unique creations make for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents that will be cherished for years to come. And don’t forget—pair your gifts with one of our handcrafted holiday cards to add a personal touch and make your presents even more memorable.